Graduate School: Applications, Finances, Succeeding Nancy M. Amato Parasol Lab,Texas A&M University

Grad School - Why? l Not just to avoid getting a job! l Want to learn topic in greater depth –increased breadth (more classes) –Increased depth with research degrees (MS, PhD) l Meet job goals/requirements –Professional Degrees: MBA, MD, JD, … –Credentials in Discipline l Qualify for leadership and management roles on the technical or business side

Grad School - Programs l Professional Programs –MBA –Law School –Medical School l Masters –Coursework Only –Thesis (research oriented) l PhD

Grad School - Applications l Start Early!!! l Your Record - GPA & test scores are important as filters –GRE General Test, GRE Subject test l GRE Subject test requires - algorithms, data structures, OS, architecture and compilers –MCAT, LSAT, GMAT l Letters of Recommendation –Tenure track faculty (not lecturers) l Best, profs you did research with –Work-related letters l Not for grad school in CS, CE, MD, or JD l Sometimes for MBA if experience is relevant l Personal Essays –Statement of why you want to go to grad school & why they should want you as an applicant –Get others to read them and give you feedback (best faculty) l Other supporting information –Courses taken –Research projects/publications

Choosing a Grad School l Matching your interests & their strengths –E.g., UNC for graphics, UCLA Biz school for entertainment industry, Johns Hopkins medical school for biomedical engineering ties, etc. l Their reputation –what will that degree mean for you later? l Acceptance Rates –what are your chances of getting in? l Financial Issues l Evaluating your options –Post/pre Acceptance - Visits, contact with faculty, alumni, etc.

Grad School - Paying for it All l Assistantships –TA, RA, etc. l Fellowships –External (NSF, NDSEG, etc.) –Internal l Outside Jobs –Sometimes employers will pay for their employees to pursue advanced degrees l Loans… –Typically the only option for professional degrees such as MD, MBA, JD

Life in Grad School l Coursework –Varies significantly –Occasionally leveling required –Usually 1-2 years –Deeper, more specialized courses l Research –Start early and get involved –Identify a faculty advisor/research area –First assist others, then take your own direction

Resources l Advice for Undergraduated Considering Grad School – l CRA-W publication: The Graduate Student Information Guide – ad-guide.pdf –Advantages of Obtaining an Advanced Degree –Choosing the Right Graduate School –The Graduate School Application Process –Financing Graduate Study (Sources of Financial Support) l Choosing A Ph.D. Program In Computer Science – l How to Succeed in Graduate School: A Guide for Students and Advisors (Parts I & II) – –